Catheter Placement Adapter with Dual ECG and Magnetic Tip Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular access devices (VADs) face challenges in accurately placing the distal tip at a target location, which can affect treatment efficacy and cause trauma due to improper positioning.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function adapter system with a catheter adapter, flushing adapter, and elongate medical device, utilizing electrical communication pathways and magnetic tracking to confirm and maintain the accuracy of the catheter tip placement, incorporating a clip and tether system for ECG signal reception and a magnet for magnetic field detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a catheter is advanced too far to ensure the distal tip reaches the target area, then placement accuracy is improved, but the risk of causing arrhythmia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors ECG signals during catheter advancement and provides real-time feedback about distal tip position relative to the target area. When the catheter approaches the optimal position, the system detects characteristic ECG signal changes and alerts the operator, preventing over-advancement that could cause arrhythmia while ensuring accurate placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning methods with electrical signal-based positioning. Instead of relying solely on physical measurements and operator judgment, the system uses ECG signal detection to electronically determine catheter tip location, enabling more precise and safer placement without mechanical over-advancement.
2Length of moving object
If the distal tip is advanced too far beyond the target area, then the catheter reaches the distal endpoint, but trauma to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback during catheter insertion by monitoring ECG signals and magnetic field position. When the distal tip reaches the target area or continues beyond it, the system detects position changes and alerts the operator, preventing excessive advancement that could cause vascular trauma while ensuring the catheter reaches the necessary depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes ECG signal monitoring and magnetic field tracking before completing catheter insertion. This preliminary detection capability allows the operator to know the exact position of the distal tip in advance, enabling precise control of insertion depth and preventing trauma-causing over-advancement.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for ECG signal reception and magnetic tracking, then signal detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ECG signal reception electrodes and magnetic field tracking sensors into a single integrated adapter assembly. This unified device attaches to the catheter hub and simultaneously performs both functions, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining full detection capability for both ECG signals and magnetic field position.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously receives ECG signals through embedded electrodes and tracks catheter position using magnetic sensors. This universal device performs multiple detection functions that would otherwise require separate apparatus, simplifying the overall system while enhancing measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures precise and reliable placement of the catheter tip by cross-referencing ECG signals and magnetic field detection, reducing the risk of arrhythmia and trauma by maintaining continuous electrical communication during the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a first cannula (112) defining a portion of the lumen (102), the first cannula (112) formed of an electrically conductive material... a second cannula (132) defining a second portion of the lumen (102)... configured to provide a second electrical pathway between the distal tip (164) and the sensor (90)
Implementation Method 2
an elongate medical device extending through a lumen of the first cannula, a distal tip of the elongate medical device extending to a distal tip of the catheter, the elongate medical device including a magnet disposed at a distal tip thereof
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a multi -function adapter system for placing a distal tip of a catheter at a target location. The system is configured to maintain one or more electrical communication pathways with the catheter distal tip during a placement procedure. Two or more electrical pathways can be cross-referenced to determine accuracy. The electrical pathways can include a clip and first tether that provides a versatile electrical pathway in that the clip can be selectively coupled with either a saline column, stylet, guidewire, or needle. A flushing adapter can include a second tether formed integrally therewith and provide a second electrical pathway with a saline column. The stylet or guidewire can be fixedly coupled with the flushing adapter and can provide a second electrical pathway with the second tether. These electrical pathways can provide a fail-safe system to ensure electrical communication with the distal tip of the catheter.